I know my rabbits, Bailey and Lola, have been very therapeutic for me. Bailey can often tell when I've had a particularly bad day and will pay much more attention to me, nuzzling my ankles, sitting by my side and generally being a sweetie pie while he soaks up as much petting and nose rubs as I can give him. I always feel so much better after spending 5-10 minutes interacting with my buns. Lola is still slightly skittish but at times seeks out nose rubs from me, lets me pet her a lot and she'll often move from room to room to always be near me which is such a massive change from when she first came to live with us, I know she was severely neglected in her first home, a neighbour saved her from heat stroke and judging by her very weird behaviours I'm convinced she was abused too, likely poked at through the bars of her cage, when she first came to live with us she would eat all the food that was put out right away, you could tell that food wasn't a regular occurence in her former home, and she ran from the sight of me for the longest time, it took about 2.5 years to get to where she is now and the difference I see in her, how much more relaxed and full of love for life she is makes me feel great knowing that a little TLC, respect and patience has so greatly improved her life. Its been very good for my self esteem just knowing that being myself with a rabbit can have such a dramatic effect on them and of course I treasure my bond with Bailey and the way we have of understanding each other without words. Rabbits came into my life as a surprise, Bailey was a gift to me from my sister, and though I always advise against giving any living critter as a present in this case Bailey was by far the best present I have ever received and he has changed my life for the better in ways I never imagined possible before. My life is definitely a better one for having Bailey and Lola in it.

That wee bun looks very real, but is it? Take a close look at the front paws. I'm not so sure, even though those ears and nose and eyes are totally awesome.

I agree, the article was fab. Therapy animals are very special and so are the wonderful people who train and socialize and share them.

@Rich 1299: What you said and back atcha. My little herd has given me many a bright smile during dark days and they have my undying service and attention for it (as well they should for what else can we stoopid humans do but serve bunkind within our meager limits).

My daughter's senior trip was to Washington, D.C. I went along as a chaperone. While there they had to do a service project at a nursing home. I was delighted to see that they had a pair of rabbits in residence. One of the staff members told me that the residents really enjoyed having them.

we have used our rabbits at a local home for older women. The womens eyes light up at the sight of them. We have one bun who is a favorite because he gives lots of kisses and snuggles - something our older generation doesn't get enough of anymore

Jasmine, Dodge and our new addition Duchess (squeee) are all therapy animals for me I have pseudoseizures and severe anxiety and all three of them will sit calmly in my lap when i have a seizure and snuggle into my lap and then lick me for a while after the seizure is done to say hey mom it is ok, we werent scared, see you are fine! Each bunny takes turns going with me to situations that i find really stressful and will poke a cute bunny head out of their carrier look around and snuggle me. They really know. They each have collars with tags saying they are a service animal and are at work. Jasmine and Duchess (especially) are super intune with how i am doing. I love my girls and of course our bad boy Dodger

Our Mr. Bun took things to a new level the other morning. I sat down on a pillow early in the morning before the day starts for a quiet moment. Mr. Bun pop out of his condo and bumps me in the thigh with his nose, snuggles next to me and wants head rubbing and makes all his little happy noises. And he sits there for as long as I have before it's time to bust out and face the hoominity. Now we have our regular 'Bun meditation' :-)

My bunnies are all my registered service animals, I can take them shopping, restaurants, transit etc.They're 'emotional support' animals, and Sunki (who has been featured here before), goes everywhere with me and keeps me happy.A few weeks ago when I was really depressed Sunki started to follow me around the apartment, making sure I knew that he disapproved of me being depressed.

As a rabbit rescue worker, it always concerns me when rabbits are not being handled correctly, and this is anything but correct. However, there was obviously supervision. The bun was HIGHLY disapproving but not in any danger. I certainly can't criticize since I occasionally can't resist subjecting my longears to hugs and kisses. The look on that woman's face is mine own.